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Trending: Bring Nature Indoors to Enhance Your Workplace
Incorporating greenery into office spaces isn’t just about aesthetics – it can significantly improve both the work environment and employee productivity. The concept of biophilic design is gaining popularity, with more companies embracing green solutions to create healthier and more inspiring workplaces.
What is biophilia?
Biophilic office design is rooted in the biophilia hypothesis, a term popularised by biologist Edward O. Wilson. It describes humans’ innate connection with nature and the living world. Offices that embrace biophilia aim to reduce stress, boost creativity, and enhance wellbeing through the integration of natural elements.
Biophilic design is not just an interior design trend but part of modern ergonomics, where the mental environment also plays a major role in how we feel and perform at work. It helps create workplaces that feel more alive, human and harmonious. A report from the World Green Building Council (2014) shows, for example, that sick leave can be reduced by up to 10% in workplaces that invest in green and nature-inspired environments.
Bringing nature into the office makes us healthier and more focused
Enhancing the work environment by icorporating nature into offices has become increasingly popular. Plants, natural light, earthy colours and natural materials create workspaces that are not just nice to work in but actually boost both employee wellbeing and performance.
In its simplest form, introducing biophilic design into the office could mean placing a few potted plants around the workspace. But it can also include more advanced elements, like green walls, natural materials, and nature-inspired art or colours.
Decorate with natural and artificial plants
Introducing greenery into the workspace has a remarkable impact on both atmosphere and wellbeing. Plants improve air quality, soften hard surfaces, dampen noise and naturally reduce stress, making the office feel more inviting.
Acoustic panels made from natural materials, such as reindeer moss, also contribute to a calmer and more harmonious working environment. They combine function and design in a way that both dampens sound and adds a soft, green feel to the room.
But biophilia is not just about living plants. Artificial plants have become increasingly realistic and offer an excellent alternative in spaces where maintenance, light conditions or allergies make real greenery impractical. Research indicates that the brain responds positively to lifelike, nature-inspired forms, meaning high-quality artificial plants can provide similar calming effects. They are also allergy-friendly, require virtually no upkeep and are cost-effective as they do not need watering, repotting or replacing.
Discover our blogs about ergonomics in the workplace
Our natural products make it easy to combine aesthetics, functionality and well-being."
Elisabet Nilsson, product manager at AJ Products.Biophilia as a competitive advantage
An attractive, well-designed office has become a key factor in the competition to attract and retain talent. According to Castellum’s Working Life of the Future 2024 report, 81 percent of respondents said the office environment is important when looking for a new job. Younger generations, in particular, are drawn to workplaces that prioritise health, well-being, and sustainability.
Incorporating plant decor and biophilic design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the office but also signals consideration for employees and visitors, a modern view of health, and a commitment to sustainability. “Biophilic office design can become a competitive advantage for companies seeking to attract and retain talent. It’s a straightforward investment that makes a big difference to the ambiance of the work environment,” says Elisabet Nilsson.
Artificial plant EVERGREEN, Grapevine
€17.00
Artificial plant EVERGREEN, Monstera
€69.00
Three quick tips to bring nature into the office
1. Include plants and daylight
Adding potted or hanging plants around the office and improving natural light can reduce stress and boost productivity.
2. Use natural materials
Use materials like solid wood combined with earthy colours to create a more harmonious and natural work environment.
3. Consider artificial plants
Artificial plants can also bring a sense of nature to the office and are an allergy-friendly and maintenance-free option.
Invest in biophilia and increase productivity by up to 15%
Research shows that green and nature-inspired offices reduce stress and increase focus, which in turn can increase productivity by up to 15% (University of Exeter, The Relative Benefits of Green Versus Lean Office Space: Three Field Experiments, 2014).
Create a vibrant work environment with biophilic design
Summary
Biophilic design is about creating a balance between people and the environment. Incorporating natural elements such as plants, natural light and colour in the office can reduce stress and enhance performance. As such, biophilic design is a key part of workplace ergonomics and represents an investment in well-being, productivity, and long-term health.
Need help? Ask our experts!
We at AJ Products are always available to help you with solutions suited just for your business. Contact us if you have questions on the choice of fabric, need some inspiration or want to know the alternatives that would best suit your premises. We can then tell you more about your choices.Discover our blogs about ergonomics in the workplace
FAQ
- Biophilic office design is the practice of incorporating natural elements such as plants, natural light, and organic materials into workplace environments. It’s based on the idea that humans have an innate need to connect with nature, and this connection can boost wellbeing, creativity, and productivity.
- Studies show that biophilic workplaces reduce stress, increase employee wellbeing, and improve productivity. Natural light, greenery, and earthy materials can create a calmer, more inspiring atmosphere, which may also reduce sick leave and support better mental health.
- Examples include adding indoor plants, installing green walls, maximising natural daylight, using wood and stone in furniture or finishes, and choosing nature-inspired colours like greens and browns. Even small touches, such as artwork or acoustic panels made from natural materials, can make a difference.
- Affordable ways to create a biophilic office include repositioning desks to benefit from natural light, adding low-maintenance plants (or realistic artificial ones), using calming colour schemes, and incorporating natural textures in furniture and décor.
- No, while greenery is a key feature, biophilic design also involves natural light, materials, colours, and even views of outdoor spaces. The goal is to foster a holistic connection to nature, not just fill the office with plants.
- Yes. High-quality artificial plants can create a similar sense of nature, especially when real plants are not practical. They are low-maintenance, allergy-friendly, and cost-effective while still enhancing the look and feel of the workplace.
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